When Jonathan Gabbay talks about his new chapter, his eyes light up with the mix of adrenaline and curiosity typical of someone about to jump into something big. “Argo has always been a benchmark for hotel bars in the world,” he says. “It’s a place that I’ve followed closely. Hong Kong and Asia overall are in the center of every conversation in the bar world today.”
For Gabbay, who made his name in Miami’s vibrant cocktail scene leading The Champagne Bar at The Surf Club, the move to Hong Kong came “really organically.” The decision was shaped by a few trusted voices in the industry. “I took advice from three people that I deeply respect,” he explains. “The first was Ashish Sharma—he’s the one who forwarded me the offer when he went out. Then I reached out to my globetrotter friend, Nico de Soto, to ask about the lifestyle in Hong Kong, and he quickly sold me on it. And finally, I asked Lorenzo Antinori, who opened Argo, if he thought I had what it takes to take the reins.”
A New Chapter in Hong Kong for Jonathan Gabbay
Argo, at the Four Seasons Hong Kong, has long been a lodestar for contemporary hotel bars—sophisticated, forward-thinking, and anchored in the city’s restless energy. Stepping into its orbit, Gabbay immediately sensed the dynamic at play. “From the moment I entered the hotel, I was struck by its unique ability to blend the sophistication of a Four Seasons Hotel bar with the vibrant, free-spirited energy of a stand-alone venue,” he says. “Argo is like two bars in one. It delivers the impeccable, polished service you’d expect from the Four Seasons, but when it’s time to let loose and party, it transforms completely. I want to keep this duality alive—pushing the team’s creativity while maintaining the exceptional service standards that define Argo.”
The First Hundred Days
Jonathan Gabbay is clear about his priorities. “I want to connect with the local industry, but also the Asian scene as a whole,” he says. “I’ll need to travel as much as I can, visit all these major bar hubs, introduce myself. So far, the welcome has been fantastic.” Another focus is team culture. “The team at Argo is incredible, absolutely a machine—full of creativity and hospitality. Adam runs the floor, Endy the bar, and most of them are world-class talents. Every time a Vip sits down, I just watch them work their magic. I’m really lucky to step into such a strong team.”
To understand the rhythm of service, Gabbay is spending his first weeks in quiet observation. “I’m watching how they handle pressure, how they connect with guests. I’m also having one-on-one chats to understand their individual skills—from mixology to creating memorable experiences—so I can empower each member to shine.”
Carrying Miami’s Spirit East
Before Hong Kong, Gabbay made waves in Miami—a city whose rhythm and warmth clearly left a mark on him. “From my time in Miami, I’ll carry forward the incredible friendship that I built there and the supportive bar community that gave me everything,” he reflects. “It taught me to connect with people from all walks of life, to keep my door open to the world. I’m bringing that same spirit of camaraderie and openness to Hong Kong.”
Jonathan Gabbay, Looking Ahead
A new cocktail list is slated for March, and the excitement is already palpable. “The vibe here is electric,” he smiles. “Being at Argo, one of the world’s and Asia’s top bars, while staying with Four Seasons Hotels—it’s a straight double win. I can’t wait to discover more of this unreal bar scene. Hong Kong feels like a madhouse in the best possible way.”
In Jonathan Gabbay’s hands, Argo’s next chapter promises to keep that delicate balance between refinement and sparkle, the measured stir of a Negroni and the joyful chaos of a night that runs long into morning.
Photo courtesy Four Seasons Hong Kong
